On Tuesday morning, Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoranksy, Didi Louzada, and several draft picks were traded to the Portland Trailblazers. In exchange, the Pelicans got CJ McCollum. Josh Hart embraced the city of New Orleans and had become a fan favorite.
He tweeted out blue, yellow (gold), and red hearts; the colors of the New Orleans flag after the news was announced.
💙💛❤️
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) February 8, 2022
Josh Hart embodied the attributes the Pelicans are trying to instill in their organization: grit, hustle, and heart. Hart has spent three of his five seasons with the Pelicans averaging 10 PPG, 7 RPG, and 2 APG with a field goal average of 45 percent.
What I loved most about Hart is that he always hustled. He always put his body on the floor and was able to bring energy to the team by providing those plays. Hart was able to grab rebounds as a 6-foot-5 guard, defended bigger players and made the little plays that contribute to winning basketball.
When Hart was traded to the Pels in 2019, he loved the city instantly:
"This city is very welcoming. The people have that Southern hospitality to them. They ride with you no matter what; good times, bad times, always going to ride with you. I’ve seen that if you embrace this city, they’ll embrace you tenfold."
Josh Hart also brought humor and leadership to a young team, and we’ve seen the results this season, as the team has played looser and had more fun under coach Willie Green.
Josh Hart was the king of NBA memes for his animated faces and the tradition of leaving him hanging for high fives. He was also the first to run over to pick a guy up off the ground and was a glue guy that the Pelicans and their fans will miss.
The next time the Pelicans see Josh Hart will be March 30th as they are on the road in Portland. But, I would expect to see a tribute video to Hart on April 7th when the Trailblazers come to the Smoothie King Center.
On behalf of Pelicans fans far and wide, thank you Josh Hart for all you have done for the city of New Orleans, and best of luck in your next chapter in Portland.